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Towing Laws in Connecticut

Max tow:$130Max storage:$30/day
Billed over these limits? Get your money back - $29Impounded? Get your car out - $19 release plan

Storage fees stack up every day your car sits in the lot - the sooner you act, the less you owe.

Reviewed by Daniel Richardson

Know your rights: towing regulations, maximum fees, and consumer protections in Connecticut (CT).

Max Tow Fee

DMV sets maximum rates; ~$130 base for standard light-duty tow (CGS 14-66 / PA 25-55, incl. first 2 miles; rising to ~$143 by 2028)

Max Storage Fee

Regulated; $30/day inside (first 5 days), $37/day after; no charge if retrieved within 8 hours

Signage Required

Yes

Police Notification

Required

Charged more than Connecticut allows?

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Key Towing Laws in Connecticut

Rate Regulation

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles sets maximum towing and storage rates that all licensed operators must follow.

Licensing Requirements

All tow operators must be licensed by the state and carry minimum insurance coverage.

Vehicle Release Rights

Owners can retrieve vehicles during business hours upon presenting proper documentation and payment.

Abandoned Vehicle Timeline

Vehicles unclaimed for 15+ days may be processed as abandoned after proper notification.

Notification & Signage Requirements

Police Notification

Police notification required within 2 hours of non-consensual tow.

Signage Requirements

Private property must display towing signs at entrances with company name and phone number.

Your Rights in Connecticut

  • Right to regulated maximum tow and storage rates
  • Right to retrieve vehicle during business hours
  • Right to personal property access without charge
  • Right to an itemized receipt
  • Right to file DMV complaints against licensed operators

How to File a Complaint in Connecticut

Complaint Agency

If you believe you were unfairly towed or overcharged, file a complaint with:

Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles

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Steps to File a Complaint:

  1. Document everything: take photos of signage, your parking location, vehicle condition, and all receipts.
  2. Note the date, time, tow company name, driver name, and truck number if available.
  3. Contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles to file a formal complaint.
  4. Consider filing in small claims court if you believe you are owed money for an illegal or improper tow.

Official Sources & Legal References

The fees and rules on this page are drawn from these primary sources - official statutes, administrative codes, and state regulator schedules. We link them so you can verify every figure yourself.

Regulated by Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles.

Last reviewed by Daniel Richardson against Connecticut's official state statutes and regulator schedules.

Towing Costs in Connecticut

Average towing costs in Connecticut range from $100 to $185 for a local tow.

View Connecticut Towing CostsCalculate Your Towing CostConnecticut impound & storage feesWhat to do with an abandoned or junk vehicle

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the maximum towing fees in Connecticut?
Connecticut DMV regulates tow rates. Standard non-consensual tow rates are approximately $172 for the first 5 miles. Storage fees are regulated at approximately $30-$50 per day depending on vehicle size.
How do I file a towing complaint in Connecticut?
Contact the Connecticut Department of Motor Vehicles to file a complaint against a licensed towing company. You can also reach out to the Attorney General Consumer Protection Division for billing disputes.
Is there a grace period for towing in Connecticut?
If you return to your vehicle before the tow truck has hooked up your car, the company cannot charge you. Once the vehicle is hooked, a reduced drop fee may apply if you arrive before the truck departs.

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